COVID-19 Update: Guidance for Parishes

COVID-19 Update: Guidance for Parishes                                           
September 22, 2021

COVID-19 is now “a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health” under New York State's HERO Act.  The CDC has also indicated that New York State’s rate of transmission is “high.”

The Guidelines below were examined by our medical consultant team members for our linked parish community. We have provided their input to help all of us remain safe and healthy. Our ministry team’s explained response to the guidelines are in italics and bold  print for contrast.

Vaccinations
Participation at in-person Masses and other parish events should not be contingent on vaccination status. (Please refer to the Bishop’s letter issued September 3, 2021 for information regarding religious exemptions in other settings.)

Masks                                                                       
Masks are now mandated for all participants in the liturgy, especially when in close proximity to those of other households (for entry, exit, and when receiving Holy Communion). When seated, participants may “relax their mask” if they feel comfortable to do so. Reduction of capacity/seating to introduce more space is at the discretion of the parish.

We at the Basilica and  St. John’s are following this mandate during all times of movement into the church upon entry, coming up for Communion, and upon leaving for school age (5 years) and up. On another note, we do have sections in our churches ribboned off on the sides (Basilica) and close to the front, left side (St. John’s) so social distancing is established for those that would like to have separation to protect their vulnerable status and their comfort levels.

Eucharistic Ministers & Altar Ministry
As before, masks are required for those distributing the Eucharist. Eucharistic Ministers should limit in-home visits to close family. Anyone in the sanctuary should limit close exposure and all should practice good hygiene. For example, instead of having a server hold their missal, presiders should consider holding it or placing it on a stand. If a deacon is present, there should be distance between him and the celebrant.

Basic Hygiene Remains Important
If a person does not feel well, has a temperature greater than or equal to 100°, or is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they should stay home and seek medical attention. In this situation, you can join our livestreamed Masses or participate in those Masses televised. If you need a visit, let us know.

When present in church, all participants should:                                — Exercise coughing/sneezing etiquette;                                              — Limit what they touch;                                         
— Limit personal contact such as hugging and hand shaking
— Wash hands properly and often.

Cleaning
After each liturgy, worship spaces should continue to be disinfected, especially high-risk areas or frequently touched surfaces.

In our churches in Olean, we continue to use the company, Intandem, to provide a thorough cleaning after each Mass.

Singing                                                                                                        Consider any music, congregational singing, or chanting as appropriate to your setting, based on vaccination rates, risk tolerance, and vulnerability of your community members. Activities such as congregational singing involve a risk of COVID-19 transmission, assuming a mixed population of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Overall, singing should still be limited.

At the Basilica and at St. John’s, we provide song sheets so you can pray with the lyrics provided. Light singing can be used. Use of masks while singing is preferred.